Mercadito Mixologist Moves On; Introducing Watershed

Mixologist Daniel de Oliveira (Photo: Daniel de Oliveira)

One of the hardest-working men in local mixology has just added even more notches to his resume.

No more Mercadito for Daniel de Oliveira, who's been there since it opened last fall.

Instead, the talented bartender has taken a full-time position with the Pernod brand to launch Olmeca Altos tequila, from the highlands of Mexico, in the Chicago market (RSVP for the launch party happening 6:30-8:30pm Monday, Aug. 9 at East Bank Club, 500 N. Kingsbury St. at RSVP@Handcraftedpr.com).

That doesn't mean this is the last we'll see of him behind the stick: For now, he'll continue to work at Crimson and during The Exchange's Monday night industry party, Shift Drinks.

Also, look for de Oliveira to consult on Watershed, the new lounge going into the lower level of Pops For Champagne in River North. The former home to Shift Drinks has been shuttered all summer for a renovation even though the first-floor bubbly bar remained open.

What's the concept?! "It is seasonal rustic American fare with French techniques and influences," read the ad looking for a line cook on Craigslist.

de Oliveira adds that the focus will also be on regional spirits, including Death's Door, North Shore Distillery, Templeton Rye and Koval. He's charged with training bartenders on the art of classic cocktails, designing the drink menu and setting up the entire bar.

"It's like a clubroom in someone's luxe home," he says. "It's going to be a place where people will want to go to chill out a lot."

Look for Watershed's debut mid- to late-September.